Book Reports (19-23)...

For those of you who happened to Google your title and ended up here, please know that one star is not a bad thing in Robin's world -- just the fact that I picked up your book and started it means that somewhere it's getting good buzz (or that your blurb was really cool). 'R' means it's a re-read. Bolded, blue titles mean it's an ARC (linked to Tattered Cover's book page) or e-galley.

If you'd like to see my recent four+- and five-star YA recommendations, visit Robin ReadsnWrites.

* I didn't make it beyond the first 20 pages.** I made it to the end, but I either skimmed or skipped large sections.*** I might have skipped/skimmed, but I liked it and might read it again.**** I read at least 95% of the book and it was good -- probably will be reread.***** I read every word, and I loved it! A favorite and definite reread.

This year, I'm only going to list the stars and a brief recommendation for the type of readers I think will enjoy the book.

*****Independent Study, by Joelle Charbonneau -- highly recommended for those who enjoyed the first book and those who like dystopic worlds with strong heroine and hints of romance and political intrigue -- HMH Books, 1/14

***+Altered, by Gennifer Albin -- recommended for those who liked the first one and those who enjoy intricate and complex world building, who don't mind love triangles, and who enjoy concepts of time manipulation -- FSG, 10/13

****+Into the Still Blue, by Veronica Rossi -- highly recommended for those who enjoyed the rest of the trilogy, those who like lyrical prose, those who enjoy solid world building, and those who love sweet and faithful romance -- Harper Collins, 1/14

**Divided We Fall, by Trent Reedy -- recommended for those who like political power struggles, the military, and rebels with a cause -- Arthur A. Levine, 1/14